Governor Otu Declares Calabar ‘Safe, Ready and Green’ Ahead of 2026 NUGA Games
Governor Otu Declares Calabar ‘Safe, Ready and Green’ Ahead of 2026 NUGA Games
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.
Cross River Governor Assures Uninterrupted, Secure Games
Cross River State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has declared that the ancient city of Calabar is fully ready and safe to host the 2026 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). The Governor made this assurance during an extensive inspection of the U.J. Esuene Stadium and other sports facilities alongside officials from NUGA and the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), which recently secured the historic hosting rights after 35 years.
According to the Governor, Calabar’s peaceful atmosphere, youthful energy, and natural serenity make it the ideal host city for a national event of such magnitude. He described the state as “a youth-friendly and welcoming city that has historically been a cradle of sporting excellence.”
“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football legends — Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin, John Okon, among others. The first captain of Nigeria’s national football team was a Calabar man who led the team to England for competitive matches,” Governor Otu proudly stated.
Reviving the Spirit of Sports in Cross River
Governor Otu used the occasion to reflect on Calabar’s deep-rooted sporting heritage, affirming that the city was the first in Nigeria where football was played. He expressed delight that NUGA is returning to the city after over three decades, describing it as both a homecoming and a major boost for youth development.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to sports development, noting that in the last two years, the state government has revived sporting activities, upgraded facilities, and restored the glory of athletics in Cross River State.
“Our administration has been deliberate about sports revival. We have repositioned Calabar to be a global sports destination — a city that combines talent, hospitality, and organisation. The 2026 NUGA Games will further project our state as a safe and ready hub for national events,” the Governor declared.
Praise for the Local Organising Committee
Governor Otu also commended Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC), describing him as a man of integrity and excellence. He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a world-class event, citing Enamhe’s proven dedication and organisational capacity.
“Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe is known for his passion and precision in any responsibility entrusted to him. I have no doubt that his leadership will make this NUGA edition one of the best ever,” Otu remarked.
Calabar’s World-Class Facilities and Sporting Legacy
Speaking at the event, Papa Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe echoed the Governor’s sentiments, highlighting Calabar’s unique position in Nigeria’s sports history. He reaffirmed that the city’s facilities meet international standards and are fully ready for the Games.
“Calabar has the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and the finest Olympic-size swimming pool in the country,” Enamhe said.
He also reminded attendees that several national team icons, including Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin, and John Okon, honed their skills in Calabar while playing for Rovers Football Club and the national side.
“A Cross Riverian was the first captain of the national football team. Calabar is home to table tennis champions and Africa’s biggest cultural carnival — a perfect environment for youth interaction and talent display. Having UNICAL host NUGA after 35 years is not just historic, it’s transformational,” he added.
Government Officials and Stakeholders Rally Support
Joining the Governor during the inspection were key stakeholders including Hon. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports Development; Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties; Mrs. Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer; and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer.
The delegation collectively reaffirmed their readiness to provide logistical and administrative support to ensure a seamless hosting process. Hon. Atsu particularly emphasised that the state’s sports ministry has already mapped out an integrated plan to enhance transportation, accommodation, and security for the 2026 Games.
Calabar Set to Welcome the Nation’s Best
With preparations in top gear and state-wide excitement building, Calabar is poised to once again make history as it welcomes thousands of student-athletes, coaches, journalists, and fans from across Nigeria.
The return of NUGA to Calabar after 35 years is more than a sporting event — it is a celebration of resilience, culture, and national unity. Analysts believe it will also boost the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors while rekindling its image as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant sporting cities.
As Akahi News gathered, the 2026 NUGA Games will not only showcase athletic talent but also serve as a platform to promote peace, discipline, and inter-university collaboration — values that align perfectly with Governor Otu’s “People First” administration.
A City Ready for History
In the words of Governor Otu, “Calabar is not just ready — it is safe, green, and waiting to welcome Nigeria’s finest student-athletes.”
With its impeccable hospitality, modern facilities, and deep-rooted sporting legacy, the city stands on the brink of another golden chapter — one that will etch Calabar once more on Nigeria’s sporting map.
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